Importing Your Pet to Israel

Every requirement below is taken from an official government page, and each one links to the page it comes from. The rules were last checked on 5 October 2026. They can change, so check the linked page again before you book.

Who is in charge

• Israel's Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (Veterinary Services and Animal Health, Import-Export Division, Vs-ie@moag.gov.il, 03-9681649) supervises the import of dogs and cats. Applies to all dogs and cats.
  Procedure for the Import of Dogs and Cats into Israel (English service page, updated 03.06.2026), checked 2 October 2026

Where your pet travels from

• Israel's model veterinary certificate (Annex A) treats arrivals from Australia, Cyprus, New Zealand, Ireland, Japan, Singapore, Sweden and the UK differently: they need not be vaccinated against rabies before arrival (dogs from these countries that were not vaccinated must be vaccinated within 5 days of arrival), and the 30-day wait before the blood sample does not apply to them. All other origins follow the standard rules. Applies to all dogs and cats.
  Annex A: Veterinary certificate for domestic dogs and cats entering Israel, checked 2 October 2026
• Israel Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Hebrew service page 'תהליך יבוא כלבים וחתולים לישראל', exemption section (shown on choosing 'בקשה לפטור מרישיון יבוא'; the section is loaded from https://www.gov.il/he/api/ServiceApi/GetQuestioningServiseCollapse/a7ee7f65-a66a-4cfb-8ea8-6af632e5d2da; read 2026-10-02): the rabies-free group is defined by birth and residence, not by departure country: a pet born in Australia, New Zealand, Sweden, Cyprus, Singapore, Japan, the United Kingdom or Ireland that has stayed there continuously until arrival, or that has stayed continuously for more than a year in one of them, follows a shorter list of health conditions (no pre-arrival rabies vaccination or antibody test). The import licence section uses the same wording. Pets that do not meet this residence condition follow the general list. Applies to dogs and cats coming from the eight rabies-free countries.
  תהליך יבוא כלבים וחתולים לישראל (Hebrew service page), checked 2 October 2026

Import permit

• An import licence from the Director of Veterinary Services is required under the Animal Diseases Regulations (Import of Animals) 1974. Owners who meet all the cumulative conditions (up to two animals, travelling with the owner on the same flight, 90 days in the owner's care, all health requirements met, not a restricted breed, staying with the owner) may instead apply for an import licence exemption. The exemption is applied for, not automatic. Applies to all dogs and cats.
  Procedure for the Import of Dogs and Cats into Israel (English service page, updated 03.06.2026), checked 2 October 2026
  Official sources differ

  Exporting-government guidance differs: USDA APHIS guidance (Dec 2020, https://www.aphis.usda.gov/sites/default/files/guidance-information-for-pets-to-israel_1.pdf) says no import permit is required for two or fewer dogs and/or cats as accompanied baggage; UK APHA notes 4058NFG (rev. 19/01/2024, https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6864e73e1c735341c2111be3/4058EHC-guidance.pdf) say an import permit must be obtained, applied for in writing at least 10 days before export. Israel's own page wins: a licence, or an approved exemption application.
• The Israel Tax Authority (customs) page confirms that importing dogs and cats is conditional on a written import licence from the Director of Veterinary Services. Applies to all dogs and cats.
  Import of dogs and cats to the State of Israel (updated 05.08.2025), checked 2 October 2026
• Where an import licence is needed (owners who do not qualify for the exemption), the application is made online through the Ministry's veterinary import permit service at least 10 days before the import; processing takes up to 14 working days and the licence is sent by Israel Post. Applies to dogs and cats imported under an import licence.
  בקשה לקבלת היתר וטרינרי ליבוא בעלי חיים (veterinary import permit application service), checked 2 October 2026

Microchip

• All dogs and cats must carry a subcutaneous microchip transmitting on 134.2 kHz that can be read by a reader conforming to ISO 11784 and Annex A of ISO 11785 (Israel's model certificate, Annex A, note 1). Applies to all dogs and cats.
  Annex A: Veterinary certificate for domestic dogs and cats entering Israel, checked 2 October 2026
• Israel Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Hebrew service page 'תהליך יבוא כלבים וחתולים לישראל', exemption section (shown on choosing 'בקשה לפטור מרישיון יבוא'; the section is loaded from https://www.gov.il/he/api/ServiceApi/GetQuestioningServiseCollapse/a7ee7f65-a66a-4cfb-8ea8-6af632e5d2da; read 2026-10-02): the microchip (134.2 kHz, ISO 11784 and Annex A of ISO 11785) must be implanted before the rabies vaccination and the blood test. Applies to all dogs and cats.
  תהליך יבוא כלבים וחתולים לישראל (Hebrew service page), checked 2 October 2026

Rabies vaccination

• Dogs and cats need a veterinary confirmation that they were vaccinated against rabies no more than one year and no less than 30 days before arrival in Israel. Exception: arrivals from Australia, Cyprus, New Zealand, Ireland, Japan, Singapore, Sweden and the UK; dogs from those countries that were not vaccinated must be vaccinated within 5 days of arrival. Applies to all dogs and cats.
  Annex A: Veterinary certificate for domestic dogs and cats entering Israel, checked 2 October 2026
• Israel Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Hebrew service page 'תהליך יבוא כלבים וחתולים לישראל', exemption section (shown on choosing 'בקשה לפטור מרישיון יבוא'; the section is loaded from https://www.gov.il/he/api/ServiceApi/GetQuestioningServiseCollapse/a7ee7f65-a66a-4cfb-8ea8-6af632e5d2da; read 2026-10-02): the dog or cat must be vaccinated against rabies at 3 months of age or older, not more than one year and not less than 30 days before arrival in Israel. If it has been vaccinated more than once, the 30-day wait does not apply, but the vaccination must be within a year or the manufacturer's validity. The licence section says the same. Applies to dogs and cats outside the rabies-free group.
  תהליך יבוא כלבים וחתולים לישראל (Hebrew service page), checked 2 October 2026
• Israel Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Hebrew service page 'תהליך יבוא כלבים וחתולים לישראל', exemption section (shown on choosing 'בקשה לפטור מרישיון יבוא'; the section is loaded from https://www.gov.il/he/api/ServiceApi/GetQuestioningServiseCollapse/a7ee7f65-a66a-4cfb-8ea8-6af632e5d2da; read 2026-10-02): in the rabies-free group, dogs that have not been vaccinated against rabies must be vaccinated within 5 days of arrival. The page states this for dogs; it sets no rabies vaccination condition for cats in that group. The licence section has the same rule. Applies to dogs in the rabies-free group (born in or resident over a year in the eight listed countries).
  תהליך יבוא כלבים וחתולים לישראל (Hebrew service page), checked 2 October 2026

Rabies titre test

• Israel's model certificate (Annex A, section V) requires an official record of a rabies serology test from an EU- or WOAH-approved laboratory showing a titre of at least 0.5 IU/ml. The sample must be taken more than 30 days after the primary vaccination (except arrivals from the eight listed countries), or 14 days after a booster if the animal was vaccinated more than once after 3 months of age and microchipped first, provided more than 30 days have passed since the primary vaccination. Section V is headed 'when required'. Applies to dogs and cats from origins outside the eight listed countries.
  Annex A: Veterinary certificate for domestic dogs and cats entering Israel, checked 2 October 2026
• Israel Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Hebrew service page 'תהליך יבוא כלבים וחתולים לישראל', exemption section (shown on choosing 'בקשה לפטור מרישיון יבוא'; the section is loaded from https://www.gov.il/he/api/ServiceApi/GetQuestioningServiseCollapse/a7ee7f65-a66a-4cfb-8ea8-6af632e5d2da; read 2026-10-02): a rabies antibody level of at least 0.5 IU/ml is required, in a blood sample taken by an approved veterinarian at least 30 days after rabies vaccination and tested by a WOAH- and/or EU-approved laboratory. If the animal was vaccinated more than once with at least 30 days between the first and second vaccinations, only a 14-day wait after vaccination is needed. The result is valid for the animal's life if rabies vaccination continuity is kept to the manufacturer's instructions. Applies to dogs and cats outside the rabies-free group.
  תהליך יבוא כלבים וחתולים לישראל (Hebrew service page), checked 2 October 2026
• Israel Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Hebrew service page 'תהליך יבוא כלבים וחתולים לישראל', exemption section (shown on choosing 'בקשה לפטור מרישיון יבוא'; the section is loaded from https://www.gov.il/he/api/ServiceApi/GetQuestioningServiseCollapse/a7ee7f65-a66a-4cfb-8ea8-6af632e5d2da; read 2026-10-02): only in exceptional cases may the Director of Veterinary Services allow the antibody test to be done in Israel; the animal is then imported under an import licence and held in a Veterinary Services-approved local authority quarantine until a satisfactory result. Applies to dogs and cats arriving without a rabies antibody test.
  תהליך יבוא כלבים וחתולים לישראל (Hebrew service page), checked 2 October 2026
• Not required: Israel Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Hebrew service page 'תהליך יבוא כלבים וחתולים לישראל', exemption section (shown on choosing 'בקשה לפטור מרישיון יבוא'; the section is loaded from https://www.gov.il/he/api/ServiceApi/GetQuestioningServiseCollapse/a7ee7f65-a66a-4cfb-8ea8-6af632e5d2da; read 2026-10-02): for the rabies-free group (born in Australia, New Zealand, Sweden, Cyprus, Singapore, Japan, the UK or Ireland and resident there continuously, or resident over a year in one of them), the page sets a separate list of health conditions: over 5 months of age, microchip, rabies vaccination of unvaccinated dogs within 5 days of arrival, and a health certificate. That list contains no rabies antibody test, while the general list does. Applies to dogs and cats in the rabies-free group, licence exemption route.
  תהליך יבוא כלבים וחתולים לישראל (Hebrew service page), checked 2 October 2026
  Official sources differ

  Australian DAFF Micor (entry last reviewed 30 September 2021, conditions from an Israeli import permit issued in April 2021, https://micor.agriculture.gov.au/live-animals/israel/dogs) says dogs exported from Australia to Israel need a rabies serological test of at least 0.5 IU/ml. Israel's model certificate (Annex A) heads its serology section 'when required'. Israel's own current service page is the importing authority's newer source and wins. An issued import permit may carry its own conditions.
• Not required: Israel Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Hebrew service page 'תהליך יבוא כלבים וחתולים לישראל', import licence section (shown on choosing 'בקשה לרישיון יבוא'; the section is loaded from https://www.gov.il/he/api/ServiceApi/GetQuestioningServiseCollapse/ff3070da-2684-438b-8d34-64a45db41e03; read 2026-10-02): for the rabies-free group (same birth and residence condition), the licence section's list of health conditions (over 3 months, microchip, rabies vaccination of unvaccinated dogs within 5 days of arrival, health certificate on the Israeli model) contains no rabies antibody test. Applies to dogs and cats in the rabies-free group, import licence route.
  תהליך יבוא כלבים וחתולים לישראל (Hebrew service page), checked 2 October 2026
  Official sources differ

  Australian DAFF Micor (entry last reviewed 30 September 2021, https://micor.agriculture.gov.au/live-animals/israel/dogs) says dogs from Australia need a rabies serological test; Israel's own current page wins (see the exemption-route entry).

Health certificate

• An original veterinary certificate on Israel's model (Annex A) is required, signed by an official veterinarian of the country of origin or by a veterinarian authorised by the competent authority (in which case the competent authority must endorse it), confirming a clinical examination with no signs of contagious or infectious disease. The certificate is valid for 10 days. Applies to all dogs and cats.
  Annex A: Veterinary certificate for domestic dogs and cats entering Israel, checked 2 October 2026
• Israel Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Hebrew service page 'תהליך יבוא כלבים וחתולים לישראל', exemption section (shown on choosing 'בקשה לפטור מרישיון יבוא'; the section is loaded from https://www.gov.il/he/api/ServiceApi/GetQuestioningServiseCollapse/a7ee7f65-a66a-4cfb-8ea8-6af632e5d2da; read 2026-10-02): the dog or cat must travel with a veterinary health certificate on the linked Israeli model, issued within 10 days before import, signed and approved by a government veterinarian of the country of origin, declaring it was examined, shows no signs of infectious or contagious disease and meets the listed requirements. The licence section says the same. Applies to all dogs and cats.
  תהליך יבוא כלבים וחתולים לישראל (Hebrew service page), checked 2 October 2026

Other vaccines and tests

• Not listed: Israel Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Hebrew service page 'תהליך יבוא כלבים וחתולים לישראל', import licence section (shown on choosing 'בקשה לרישיון יבוא'; the section is loaded from https://www.gov.il/he/api/ServiceApi/GetQuestioningServiseCollapse/ff3070da-2684-438b-8d34-64a45db41e03; read 2026-10-02): the page gives the full list of health conditions that every dog or cat arriving in Israel must meet: minimum age, microchip, rabies vaccination, rabies antibody test and veterinary health certificate. No other vaccination or test is on the list. The exemption section's list ('כל כלב או חתול המגיעים לישראל, נדרשים לעמוד בכל התנאים הבאים') is the same. Applies to all dogs and cats.
  תהליך יבוא כלבים וחתולים לישראל (Hebrew service page), checked 2 October 2026
• Not listed: Israel Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Hebrew service page 'תהליך יבוא כלבים וחתולים לישראל', exemption section (shown on choosing 'בקשה לפטור מרישיון יבוא'; the section is loaded from https://www.gov.il/he/api/ServiceApi/GetQuestioningServiseCollapse/a7ee7f65-a66a-4cfb-8ea8-6af632e5d2da; read 2026-10-02): the exemption section's list of the conditions every arriving dog or cat must meet contains no vaccination other than rabies and no test other than the rabies antibody test. Applies to dogs and cats imported under a licence exemption.
  תהליך יבוא כלבים וחתולים לישראל (Hebrew service page), checked 2 October 2026

Parasite treatment

• Not listed: Israel Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Hebrew service page 'תהליך יבוא כלבים וחתולים לישראל', import licence section (shown on choosing 'בקשה לרישיון יבוא'; the section is loaded from https://www.gov.il/he/api/ServiceApi/GetQuestioningServiseCollapse/ff3070da-2684-438b-8d34-64a45db41e03; read 2026-10-02): the page gives the full list of health conditions that every dog or cat arriving in Israel must meet (minimum age, microchip, rabies vaccination, rabies antibody test, veterinary health certificate); it contains no internal or external parasite treatment. The exemption section's list is the same. Applies to all dogs and cats.
  תהליך יבוא כלבים וחתולים לישראל (Hebrew service page), checked 2 October 2026
• Not listed: Israel Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Hebrew service page 'תהליך יבוא כלבים וחתולים לישראל', exemption section (shown on choosing 'בקשה לפטור מרישיון יבוא'; the section is loaded from https://www.gov.il/he/api/ServiceApi/GetQuestioningServiseCollapse/a7ee7f65-a66a-4cfb-8ea8-6af632e5d2da; read 2026-10-02): the exemption section's list of the conditions every arriving dog or cat must meet contains no parasite treatment. Applies to dogs and cats imported under a licence exemption.
  תהליך יבוא כלבים וחתולים לישראל (Hebrew service page), checked 2 October 2026

Quarantine

• Not required: Israel Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Hebrew service page 'תהליך יבוא כלבים וחתולים לישראל', import licence section (shown on choosing 'בקשה לרישיון יבוא'; the section is loaded from https://www.gov.il/he/api/ServiceApi/GetQuestioningServiseCollapse/ff3070da-2684-438b-8d34-64a45db41e03; read 2026-10-02): animals that meet the requirements, received flight authorisation in advance and are healthy on arrival are released to the importer's home after a physical examination and document check at a Ben Gurion airport cargo terminal (Sunday to Thursday, not on holiday eves or holidays). Applies to compliant dogs and cats imported under licence.
  תהליך יבוא כלבים וחתולים לישראל (Hebrew service page), checked 2 October 2026
• Israel Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Hebrew service page 'תהליך יבוא כלבים וחתולים לישראל', exemption section (shown on choosing 'בקשה לפטור מרישיון יבוא'; the section is loaded from https://www.gov.il/he/api/ServiceApi/GetQuestioningServiseCollapse/a7ee7f65-a66a-4cfb-8ea8-6af632e5d2da; read 2026-10-02): if Veterinary Services requirements are not fully met, the animal is returned to the country of origin, euthanised or placed in quarantine as the Director decides, and the importer or owner pays all costs of return, quarantine, tests, diagnosis, vaccinations and special treatment. Applies to non-compliant dogs and cats.
  תהליך יבוא כלבים וחתולים לישראל (Hebrew service page), checked 2 October 2026

Arrival points and notice

• Israel Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Hebrew service page 'תהליך יבוא כלבים וחתולים לישראל', exemption section (shown on choosing 'בקשה לפטור מרישיון יבוא'; the section is loaded from https://www.gov.il/he/api/ServiceApi/GetQuestioningServiseCollapse/a7ee7f65-a66a-4cfb-8ea8-6af632e5d2da; read 2026-10-02): owners who qualify for the exemption send the form and documents at least 2 working days before leaving the country of origin: online for arrival at Ben Gurion airport, or by email for Ashdod port (ashdodvet@moag.gov.il), Haifa port (Vs-haifaport@moag.gov.il) or Eilat port (Vet_eilat@moag.gov.il). Import through any other port is not possible. Applies to dogs and cats imported under a licence exemption.
  תהליך יבוא כלבים וחתולים לישראל (Hebrew service page), checked 2 October 2026
• Israel Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Hebrew service page 'תהליך יבוא כלבים וחתולים לישראל', exemption section (shown on choosing 'בקשה לפטור מרישיון יבוא'; the section is loaded from https://www.gov.il/he/api/ServiceApi/GetQuestioningServiseCollapse/a7ee7f65-a66a-4cfb-8ea8-6af632e5d2da; read 2026-10-02): the animal may be loaded on the flight only after written approval (flight authorisation) from the Veterinary Service at the Israeli port of import. Applies to dogs and cats imported under a licence exemption.
  תהליך יבוא כלבים וחתולים לישראל (Hebrew service page), checked 2 October 2026
• Israel Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Hebrew service page 'תהליך יבוא כלבים וחתולים לישראל', import licence section (shown on choosing 'בקשה לרישיון יבוא'; the section is loaded from https://www.gov.il/he/api/ServiceApi/GetQuestioningServiseCollapse/ff3070da-2684-438b-8d34-64a45db41e03; read 2026-10-02): approved ports of import are defined as the sea ports of Haifa, Ashdod and Eilat, Ben Gurion airport and any other port or entry point the Director approves. Licensed imports must request flight authorisation at least two working days before loading, through the cargo department of the airline that issued the air waybill, sending the import licence, air waybill, health certificate and rabies antibody report. Applies to dogs and cats imported under licence.
  תהליך יבוא כלבים וחתולים לישראל (Hebrew service page), checked 2 October 2026

Minimum age

• Israel's current Hebrew service page sets, as a threshold condition for an import licence exemption, that the dog or cat is over 5 months old on arrival in Israel. Applies to dogs and cats imported under a licence exemption.
  תהליך יבוא כלבים וחתולים לישראל (Hebrew service page), checked 2 October 2026
  Official sources differ

  The same gov.il page's import licence section sets over 4 months on arrival (over 3 months for the rabies-free group); USDA APHIS (Dec 2020, https://www.aphis.usda.gov/sites/default/files/guidance-information-for-pets-to-israel_1.pdf) says at least 4 months; UK APHA 4058NFG (rev. 19/01/2024, https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6864e73e1c735341c2111be3/4058EHC-guidance.pdf) says at least 3 months at export. Israel's own current page wins, and its 5-month rule applies to the exemption route.
• Israel Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Hebrew service page 'תהליך יבוא כלבים וחתולים לישראל', import licence section (shown on choosing 'בקשה לרישיון יבוא'; the section is loaded from https://www.gov.il/he/api/ServiceApi/GetQuestioningServiseCollapse/ff3070da-2684-438b-8d34-64a45db41e03; read 2026-10-02): for the licence route the dog or cat must be over 4 months old on arrival, except the rabies-free group, which may be imported from over 3 months. Applies to dogs and cats imported under licence.
  תהליך יבוא כלבים וחתולים לישראל (Hebrew service page), checked 2 October 2026

How many pets

• The licence exemption covers up to two dogs or up to two cats per year; anything beyond that needs an import licence. Applies to dogs and cats imported under a licence exemption.
  תהליך יבוא כלבים וחתולים לישראל (Hebrew service page), checked 2 October 2026
• Israel Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Hebrew service page 'תהליך יבוא כלבים וחתולים לישראל', import licence section (shown on choosing 'בקשה לרישיון יבוא'; the section is loaded from https://www.gov.il/he/api/ServiceApi/GetQuestioningServiseCollapse/ff3070da-2684-438b-8d34-64a45db41e03; read 2026-10-02): an application to import more than 4 dogs or cats in total needs the local authority veterinarian's confirmation that the applicants have suitable conditions to keep them, under the 2009 animal welfare (non-agricultural keeping) regulations. Applies to dogs and cats imported under licence.
  תהליך יבוא כלבים וחתולים לישראל (Hebrew service page), checked 2 October 2026

Banned and restricted breeds

• Israel Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Hebrew service page 'תהליך יבוא כלבים וחתולים לישראל', import licence section (shown on choosing 'בקשה לרישיון יבוא'; the section is loaded from https://www.gov.il/he/api/ServiceApi/GetQuestioningServiseCollapse/ff3070da-2684-438b-8d34-64a45db41e03; read 2026-10-02): dogs from breeding lines based on the listed dangerous breeds, such as the American Bully and Shorty Bull, are dangerous dogs under the law, so they may only be imported under the dangerous-breed conditions. This matches Veterinary Services circular 3/2019 of 12 August 2019 (https://www.gov.il/BlobFolder/policy/moag-pro-061/he/import_pet-import_Nohal_American_Bully1.pdf, read in Chrome 2026-10-02), which says the American Bully is a cross of two dangerous breeds and so is a dangerous dog under the law. Applies to American Bully dogs.
  Import licence section of the dog and cat import service page (JSON content behind 'בקשה לרישיון יבוא'), checked 2 October 2026
• Israel Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Hebrew service page 'תהליך יבוא כלבים וחתולים לישראל', import licence section (shown on choosing 'בקשה לרישיון יבוא'; the section is loaded from https://www.gov.il/he/api/ServiceApi/GetQuestioningServiseCollapse/ff3070da-2684-438b-8d34-64a45db41e03; read 2026-10-02): import of a dog of a dangerous breed, or a cross of one with the physical and behavioural traits of a dangerous dog, is prohibited unless it meets specific conditions. The dangerous breeds are American Staffordshire Bull Terrier (Amstaff), Bull Terrier, Dogo Argentino, Japanese Tosa, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Pit Bull Terrier, Fila Brasileiro and Rottweiler. Breeding lines based on these (for example American Bully, Shorty Bull) are dangerous dogs too. Such dogs are never eligible for the exemption and need an import licence. Applies to dogs of the listed dangerous breeds, their crosses and breeding lines.
  תהליך יבוא כלבים וחתולים לישראל (Hebrew service page), checked 2 October 2026
• Israel Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Hebrew service page 'תהליך יבוא כלבים וחתולים לישראל', import licence section (shown on choosing 'בקשה לרישיון יבוא'; the section is loaded from https://www.gov.il/he/api/ServiceApi/GetQuestioningServiseCollapse/ff3070da-2684-438b-8d34-64a45db41e03; read 2026-10-02): the Director may license a dangerous dog only if the owner is over 18 (attach ID showing date of birth), the dog is spayed or neutered with a veterinarian's signed confirmation, and the owner has kept it for at least 18 months before import. The application needs a lawyer-signed affidavit with the owner's address abroad and in Israel and declarations of neutering and 18 months' ownership, with a notarised Hebrew or English translation if needed. Applies to dogs of the listed dangerous breeds, their crosses and breeding lines.
  תהליך יבוא כלבים וחתולים לישראל (Hebrew service page), checked 2 October 2026
• Israel Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Hebrew service page 'תהליך יבוא כלבים וחתולים לישראל', import licence section (shown on choosing 'בקשה לרישיון יבוא'; the section is loaded from https://www.gov.il/he/api/ServiceApi/GetQuestioningServiseCollapse/ff3070da-2684-438b-8d34-64a45db41e03; read 2026-10-02): Miniature Bull Terriers need an import licence but are not subject to the dangerous-breed conditions if recognised as that breed after professional consultation; attach both parents' pedigree certificates and the puppy's birth certificate. Applies to Miniature Bull Terrier dogs.
  תהליך יבוא כלבים וחתולים לישראל (Hebrew service page), checked 2 October 2026
• Israel Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Hebrew service page 'תהליך יבוא כלבים וחתולים לישראל', exemption section (shown on choosing 'בקשה לפטור מרישיון יבוא'; the section is loaded from https://www.gov.il/he/api/ServiceApi/GetQuestioningServiseCollapse/a7ee7f65-a66a-4cfb-8ea8-6af632e5d2da; read 2026-10-02): import of wild cats (Bengal, Savannah), wild-cat hybrids and their offspring is prohibited unless the Israel Nature and Parks Authority gives written permission (its published list is binding); such cats need an import licence. Applies to Bengal, Savannah and other wild-cat hybrid cats.
  תהליך יבוא כלבים וחתולים לישראל (Hebrew service page), checked 2 October 2026
• Israel Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Hebrew service page 'תהליך יבוא כלבים וחתולים לישראל', import licence section (shown on choosing 'בקשה לרישיון יבוא'; the section is loaded from https://www.gov.il/he/api/ServiceApi/GetQuestioningServiseCollapse/ff3070da-2684-438b-8d34-64a45db41e03; read 2026-10-02): a pet that has had a tattoo, tail docking or ear cropping for decorative purposes may not enter Israel and is returned to the country of origin. Tattoos for identification or to mark neutering are not decorative and are allowed. Applies to all dogs and cats.
  תהליך יבוא כלבים וחתולים לישראל (Hebrew service page), checked 2 October 2026

How your pet may travel

• Israel Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Hebrew service page 'תהליך יבוא כלבים וחתולים לישראל', import licence section (shown on choosing 'בקשה לרישיון יבוא'; the section is loaded from https://www.gov.il/he/api/ServiceApi/GetQuestioningServiseCollapse/ff3070da-2684-438b-8d34-64a45db41e03; read 2026-10-02): animals imported under licence come through the cargo terminal on an air waybill only and are not released through the passenger terminal. If the importer is on the same flight, they must appoint an agent to release the animal in case of delay; a customs broker is needed for landings before 07:00 or after 14:00 on weekdays. Applies to dogs and cats imported under licence.
  תהליך יבוא כלבים וחתולים לישראל (Hebrew service page), checked 2 October 2026
• Israel Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Hebrew service page 'תהליך יבוא כלבים וחתולים לישראל', exemption section (shown on choosing 'בקשה לפטור מרישיון יבוא'; the section is loaded from https://www.gov.il/he/api/ServiceApi/GetQuestioningServiseCollapse/a7ee7f65-a66a-4cfb-8ea8-6af632e5d2da; read 2026-10-02): an animal granted a licence exemption, found to meet all requirements and given flight authorisation may arrive through the passenger terminal; it must arrive with its owner on the same flight (see the exemption conditions). Applies to dogs and cats imported under a licence exemption.
  תהליך יבוא כלבים וחתולים לישראל (Hebrew service page), checked 2 October 2026

Official fees

• Applying for a veterinary import licence carries a fee that changes from time to time (no amount is published on the page); it is paid online before the application is submitted and covers the licence application only, other payments may apply under the relevant procedure. The exemption route is free (see the separate fees entry). Applies to dogs and cats imported under an import licence.
  בקשה לקבלת היתר וטרינרי ליבוא בעלי חיים (veterinary import permit application service), checked 2 October 2026
• Israel Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Hebrew service page 'תהליך יבוא כלבים וחתולים לישראל', exemption section (shown on choosing 'בקשה לפטור מרישיון יבוא'; the section is loaded from https://www.gov.il/he/api/ServiceApi/GetQuestioningServiseCollapse/a7ee7f65-a66a-4cfb-8ea8-6af632e5d2da; read 2026-10-02): the licence exemption application is free of charge. The page states this in a heading directly after the list of documents to attach, whose last item is any further documents required. Applies to dogs and cats imported under a licence exemption.
  תהליך יבוא כלבים וחתולים לישראל (Hebrew service page), checked 2 October 2026
• Israel Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Hebrew service page 'תהליך יבוא כלבים וחתולים לישראל', import licence section (shown on choosing 'בקשה לרישיון יבוא'; the section is loaded from https://www.gov.il/he/api/ServiceApi/GetQuestioningServiseCollapse/ff3070da-2684-438b-8d34-64a45db41e03; read 2026-10-02): the fee ('אגרה') is defined as the charge Veterinary Services collects for handling and issuing a pet import licence and any other statutory fee, updated once a year in line with the index. Costs of return, quarantine, tests and treatment of non-compliant animals fall on the importer. Applies to dogs and cats imported under licence.
  תהליך יבוא כלבים וחתולים לישראל (Hebrew service page), checked 2 October 2026

Other conditions

• For the licence exemption, the dog or cat must have been in its owner's personal care for at least 90 days before the flight, must travel with the owner on the same flight, and must stay with that owner in Israel (not be handed over or sold). Applies to dogs and cats imported under a licence exemption.
  Procedure for the Import of Dogs and Cats into Israel (English service page, updated 03.06.2026), checked 2 October 2026
• For the licence exemption, the applicant must be the owner of the dog or cat and be over 18. Applies to dogs and cats imported under a licence exemption.
  תהליך יבוא כלבים וחתולים לישראל (Hebrew service page), checked 2 October 2026
• Israel Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Hebrew service page 'תהליך יבוא כלבים וחתולים לישראל', import licence section (shown on choosing 'בקשה לרישיון יבוא'; the section is loaded from https://www.gov.il/he/api/ServiceApi/GetQuestioningServiseCollapse/ff3070da-2684-438b-8d34-64a45db41e03; read 2026-10-02): for dogs and cats of listed breeds born with a short tail, a veterinarian in the country of origin must confirm, with tail X-rays or a genetic test bearing the microchip number, that the tail is congenitally short; the signed annex and tests go with the flight authorisation request. Not needed for French Bulldog, English Bulldog and Boston Terrier, or for restricted breeds other than the Miniature Bull Terrier. Applies to dogs and cats born with a short tail.
  תהליך יבוא כלבים וחתולים לישראל (Hebrew service page), checked 2 October 2026
• Israel Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Hebrew service page 'תהליך יבוא כלבים וחתולים לישראל', exemption section (shown on choosing 'בקשה לפטור מרישיון יבוא'; the section is loaded from https://www.gov.il/he/api/ServiceApi/GetQuestioningServiseCollapse/a7ee7f65-a66a-4cfb-8ea8-6af632e5d2da; read 2026-10-02): on arrival the owner goes through the red customs channel with the animal, declares it to customs and shows the flight authorisation. Applies to dogs and cats imported under a licence exemption.
  תהליך יבוא כלבים וחתולים לישראל (Hebrew service page), checked 2 October 2026
• Israel Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Hebrew service page 'תהליך יבוא כלבים וחתולים לישראל', exemption section (shown on choosing 'בקשה לפטור מרישיון יבוא'; the section is loaded from https://www.gov.il/he/api/ServiceApi/GetQuestioningServiseCollapse/a7ee7f65-a66a-4cfb-8ea8-6af632e5d2da; read 2026-10-02): within five working days after a dog arrives in Israel, the owner must apply to the local authority where they will live for a dog-keeping licence under the 2002 Dog Supervision Law. The licence section says the same. Applies to dogs.
  תהליך יבוא כלבים וחתולים לישראל (Hebrew service page), checked 2 October 2026
• Israel Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Hebrew service page 'תהליך יבוא כלבים וחתולים לישראל', exemption section (shown on choosing 'בקשה לפטור מרישיון יבוא'; the section is loaded from https://www.gov.il/he/api/ServiceApi/GetQuestioningServiseCollapse/a7ee7f65-a66a-4cfb-8ea8-6af632e5d2da; read 2026-10-02): pets returning to Israel meet the same health conditions, but if no more than 30 days have passed since the Israeli export health certificate was signed (by the private vet), that certificate, endorsed by an Israeli government vet, can be used instead of an origin-country certificate; dogs also need a valid Israeli dog-keeping licence. Applies to dogs and cats returning to Israel.
  תהליך יבוא כלבים וחתולים לישראל (Hebrew service page), checked 2 October 2026
• Israel Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Hebrew service page 'תהליך יבוא כלבים וחתולים לישראל', exemption section (shown on choosing 'בקשה לפטור מרישיון יבוא'; the section is loaded from https://www.gov.il/he/api/ServiceApi/GetQuestioningServiseCollapse/a7ee7f65-a66a-4cfb-8ea8-6af632e5d2da; read 2026-10-02): for arrivals from Thailand, documents are sent only by Thailand's central government veterinarian. Applies to dogs and cats from Thailand.
  תהליך יבוא כלבים וחתולים לישראל (Hebrew service page), checked 2 October 2026